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1. When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for all new construction, both new residential and new commercial properties within the City of Solon.  A building permit is also required for most home improvements such as accessory buildings (sheds/garages), swimming pools (in-ground/above ground), decks, enclosed porches, additions, solar systems, remodels and basement finishing.  Please contact Solon City Hall with questions about your project 319-624-3755.

Fences over 6 ft. high require a building permit.  All fences shall be places 1 ft. off the property line and 5 ft. from any easements. See City Code section 167.05 for fence guidelines. Code 167. Section 167.05

Sheds under 144 square feet do not require a building permit. See Code 167.  Section 167.07

Replacing of siding, roof and windows on residential homes does not require a building permit.  Commercial roof replacement does require a building permit. 

All in-ground swimming pools require a building permit and fence.  Above-ground swimming pools are exempt from a building permit if the pool is less than 24 inches deep. A fence is required for all swimming pools that are not exempt. More information on pool requirements HERE

Open Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area,  open decks not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, and open decks where the exit door is not code required are exempt from a building permit.

Covered decks and enclosed porches require a building permit.

Building permit applications can be found under the "HOW DO I" tab on the website homepage and also HERE.

Building permit applications can also be completed online - HERE

Building permit applications typically can be processed within 7-10 working days once all information has been submitted. 

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1. When is leaf pickup?

Leaf pickup is on Mondays in October and November. Please have leaves raked to the curb by 7:30 a.m.

2. When is burning allowed?

Burning is allowed on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays April 1st through May 25th and Oct. 1st through Nov. 25th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Landscape waste only.

3. What day is garbage/recycling pickup?

Friday mornings. Please have garbage and recycling on the curb by 7:00 a.m.   Garbage pickup schedule - see here.

4. What is the curbside brush pickup policy?

Brush collection begins in April.  Brush is collected the FIRST MONDAY of each month, April through November. Neatly place brush parallel to the curb by 7:30am. No brush shall be larger than 8 inches in diameter and no longer than 15 feet in length.  Please be patient as it can take a few days for Public Works to get to all brush piles.

Brush pickup shall consist of Twigs and Branches ONLY. The City will not collect grass clippings, stumps, garden waste, rocks, sod, leaves, bushes, and dimensional lumber.

Johnson County Refuse will pick up all types of yard waste provided they have a YARD WASTE sticker on the bag.  Items include leaves, sod, grass clippings, bushes, and garden waste. Stickers can be purchased at the Solon City Hall, 101 N Iowa Street. Each sticker costs $1.25 and is good for one (1) bag up to a 39-gallon capacity with a 40-pound weight limit. They will be picked up with garbage on Fridays.

The City also has a compost site available behind the new Public Works Building located at 1031 Stinocher Street.  City residents are allowed to drop off landscape waste only in marked areas. This area is camera monitored.  Free compost available. 

5. How do I get rid of large items/appliances?

Contact Johnson County Refuse at 319-665-4498

6. Does Solon have city wide clean up day?

City Wide Clean Up day is usually held annually each summer at the SRNA. Times and date TBA each year.  Clean up day for 2023 will be August 12th from 7-9 a.m.

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1. Where can I park while visiting Solon's Main Street?

Please click here for parking map. 

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1. Why does the siren sound at noon and 5 p.m.

A long standing Solon tradition is to sound a short siren at noon and 5 p.m. each day.

2. How can I sign up for JCENS?

JCENS stands for Johnson County Emergency Notification System. Sign up at on the Johnson County Iowa website under the Emergency Management Department or click HERE.

To sign up for Johnson County Special Needs Emergency Registry - See HERE.  

3. Is there a local emergency notification system?

To sign up for Emergency Notifications please see the City of Solon alert sign up box on the home page. Residents may enter their contact information to receive emergency notifications via text, phone, or email. To receive notification only through text message, text SOLON to 888777. To receive notification through phone message or email please use alert sign up box on the home page. This notification system is for City Emergencies only. The following situations are deemed emergencies: Active shooter/Dangerous person(s) at large within city limits, Wildfire, Acts of Terrorism, Unexpected Road Closures, Epidemics, Water Contamination, Chemical/Hazard Spills, Snow Emergency, Flash Flood, and Information following a natural disaster. The system will be tested the first Monday of every month (Tuesday if holiday falls on Monday).

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1. How can I pay my water bill?

Pay with a credit card online: Click the Utility Bill Pay icon on the City of Solon website at www.solon-iowa.com.

Create an account by clicking Login/Register. To register you must have Location ID which is printed on the bottom portion of the water bill postcard (example: ST51-01234-0000-00) & must know amount of last payment made. If you don’t know the last payment amount made – contact City Hall at (319) 624-3755. Please note there is a $1.50 charge each time you use this online option.

Credit Card Payment in person or over phone:

Make water bill payments in person at City Hall or over the phone at 319-624-3755 with a credit card (no fee for in person or over phone). 

City Hall hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 8 – 4, Wed. 8 -5 (closed noon to 1 p.m. weekdays)

No fee charges for phone payments

Dropbox locations (check payments & stub)

Inside Sam’s Main Street Market – on wall by exit door

Drive through drop box next to the ATM in the Bridge Bank drive-through

Drive through drop box between the City Hall and Fire Station.

Automatic Withdrawal:

Provide City Hall staff with a voided check

 Payment will be withdrawn on the 15th of each month. You’ll still receive a water bill postcard in the mail so you know how much will be withdrawn – a note on the bottom of the payment stub will say AUTO-DRAFT-DO NOTPAY

Make payments with cash at City Hall or mail checks with stub to: City Hall 101 N. Iowa Street,Solon, IA 52333